Category: faith

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Celebrate Now

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Put some action behind your faith. In the middle of that adversity or tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you’re in debt, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party. No matter what you are facing, no matter what’s going on in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God, because your victory is on the way. The Scripture says God will always lead us into victory!
Today, when things don’t look good in the natural and you don’t feel like celebrating, remember, we serve a supernatural God. He can turn things around in a moment. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for change. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback that will make you stronger and better than you ever were before. Hallelujah!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I celebrate right now because of Your promise of victory. Father, give me faith to celebrate Your vision and victory, so that I can be more confident in Your abundant life. God, help me to start planning now, for the changes I want to see in my life – based upon Your Word. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
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You Will Win

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads
With the European championship coming up next month, I was reminiscing over the last one which saw England lose to Italy. Before bed, I watched the highlights of the match. I already knew how the game would end. I knew which team had won. While I’m watching the highlights, however, I didn’t get discouraged, sad and down when Italy fell behind, because I knew the end result. I didn’t get uptight when they couldn’t get a second goal. Why? Because that wouldn’t change the outcome. I was totally at peace. Why? I already know the result – Italy would win. As an Italian supporter that day, the truth is that the further behind we fell, the more excited I got, because that meant the big comeback was on its way. I couldn’t wait to see it all over again.
Throughout the rest of the year, God has promised us victory. I have read the back of the book and we win. We know the final score and the enemy is defeated. Hallelujah! You may go through disappointments, like Italy after falling behind. At times it seems like you’re far behind spiritually, but you’ve got to remind yourself, “God holds my future in the palm of His hands. He already knows the outcome. God will never be defeated!”.
Today, like Italy, expect a comeback. You’re going to come out of this better and stronger than ever before! Remember, God knows how it ends, and it ends in peace, joy and victory in every area of your life! Get excited about the second half of the year. Trade in your sorrows, we have already won. All we have to do is stay on the winning side. God won’t lose. Don’t give in to the enemy’s lies and shortly you will be celebrating.
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:10).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, how awesome You are! Thank You for declaring victory over my life. Father, thank You for allowing me to be on the winning side. I choose to trust Your Word, even when I don’t understand, because I know we win. Hallelujah! I trust that Your promises are good and sure, and we have won by faith in You. God, when discouragement comes, when I fall behind, I won’t feel down, because I know I will come bouncing back in Jesus’ Name, and that my end shall be in victory. I receive this today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
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We Have Victory Over Sin And Death

In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the truths about life, death, and resurrection. He describes “the sting of death,” which is sin. It is an analogy that highlights the pain and finality that sin brings into our lives, much like the sting of a bee, painful and sometimes fatal. This sting is empowered by “the law,” as the law of God makes us conscious of sin, heightening its effect and the inevitable reality of death.
In today’s verse. Paul isn’t dwelling on death as a defeat of humanity; instead, he is setting the stage to proclaim the victory provided through Christ.  Just a few verses later, he exclaims, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This message for us is both a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and a call to embrace the victory over sin and death that Jesus offers. Considering this truth, we are encouraged to live, not in fear of death’s sting, but in the joy and freedom of the victory that comes from our faith in Christ.
Today, as believers, we have the assurance that the power of sin and the fear of death are conquered. This leads us not into a life of complacency, but into active, purposeful living, fuelled by the victory that is already ours through Christ. Knowing this, we can live courageously, fully, and righteously, inspired by the victory that nullifies death’s sting and breaks the power of sin.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for being my resurrection and life, in whom I have hope of eternal life. Father, thank You for giving me victory over sin and death, and for setting me free from the fear of death and dying. In Jesus name, Amen.
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An Incredible Future 

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.
I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is, that we serve a super exceptional God!
Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today, because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future!
“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
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God Wants To Give You Victory

Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.
The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God”. In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.
Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory!
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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They’re Rooting For You

difficult
Today I watched golf, football and athletics. I was able to experience the difference it makes to have somebody in the stands rooting for you. When you know someone is watching you, you hear them calling your name, and you see their hands up in the air; it does something on the inside. It causes you to jump a little higher, run a little faster, and you find strength you didn’t know you had. You’ve got a greater determination because somebody is rooting for you.
Right now you have a great multitude in heaven (angels and the Godhead) cheering you on! When you’re faced with trials and temptations they’re saying, “you can do it! You’re a winner! You are well able, strong and equipped. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!” Hallelujah!
Today, no matter what difficulty you may be facing, know someone is rooting for you – you always have the home field advantage. You are always surrounded by the voice of victory. Let that sink down deep into your heart today. Let it build confidence and perseverance in you, and give you the strength you need to keep moving forward into the abundant, victorious life He has prepared for you!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, open the eyes of my heart. Help me to see the grand stands of heaven cheering me on, rooting for me every step of the way. Father, thank You for instilling confidence, power and grace in me, so that I can run this race and finish strong, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
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Fishers of Men

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus
We as Christians have the same calling, and that’s to be disciples. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and “make disciples”. He calls us to take the good news of God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. God’s great purpose, as the last book of the Bible indicates, is that people from every tribe, nation, people, and language will one day praise Him.
We are often tempted to exempt ourselves from God’s great plan by saying, “I’m not called to be a missionary”, as if that excuses us from being fishers of people. We are willing to claim God’s promise of abundant life but not His promise to become his witnesses who make disciples.
Today, perhaps God has given you a heart for a ministry near your home that blesses your neighbours. Fantastic! But millions around the world do not follow Jesus. Whether you’re a child, a young person, or an adult, will you ask God if he is calling you to be a missionary? We must give our all to enable people around the world to know God. He has given us these radical promises: “All authority … has been given to me”, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”. Let’s be radically occupied with ways to make his glory known at home and around the world.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you never wavered from your calling to bring salvation to the whole world. Father, help me to be faithful as I hear your call to be a fisher of men. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Our Ancestor In Faith

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress
The harlot, Rahab took a great risk in hiding the Israelite spies. She did that because she recognized the Israelites could not have crossed the Red Sea or survived forty years in the wilderness on their own power. She saw that God was the source of their strength. Though she was an outsider from Jericho, she understood who God is and what God can do.
Through the grace and mercy of God, this woman who was a prostitute and an outsider, served as a witness to truth and a role model of faith. God used her story to remind Israel that they were not chosen because they were a great and mighty nation; they were chosen to be God’s people because of God’s compassion and mercy. God also chose Rahab.
Today, we read Rahab became an ancestor of David. Matthew lists her in Jesus’ family tree, and the Book of James names her as an example of Christian hospitality. The book of Hebrews also includes her in the roll call of heroes of faith. Rahab is our ancestor in faith. She saw that God was doing something new in the world, and God made her a part of it. We also know that God is doing something new in the world by faith. God is sending his Son to establish His kingdom. We look forward with faith, expectation, and hope to his return to reign forever. Come, Lord Jesus!
The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.  (Joshua 2:11).
 
Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, “God in heaven above and on the earth below”. We bow in worship before you. Father, build our faith like Rahab’s, so that we will have hope of your coming kingdom – which will bring us deliverance. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Do Not Grieve The Holy Ghost

Today’s verse is a solemn reminder that our actions and attitudes can deeply affect our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
If you are a parent, you understand the difference between being angry at your children and being grieved by your children. It is one thing when your kids make you mad; it is another thing when they break your heart. When they anger you, most of the time the problem can be corrected quickly. But when they grieve you, it can create a wound that takes days, weeks, months, or even years to heal.
The word, “grieve,” is a love word. You can only grieve someone who loves you. You can anger your enemy. You can aggravate or irritate a stranger. But you can only grieve someone who loves you. We talk a lot about the love of God, and God is love. We talk a lot about the love of Jesus… “Jesus loves me this I know”, but have you ever thought about the love of the Holy Spirit?
To grieve the Spirit, is to cause sorrow or distress to the very presence of God within us. This can occur in various ways:
  1. Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others can create a barrier between us and the Spirit’s work of reconciliation and peace. (Mark 11:23-25)
  2. Bitterness and Anger: Allowing these emotions to take root in our hearts can quench the Spirit’s work of producing love and kindness. (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV)
  3. Immoral Behaviour: Engaging in actions that contradict God’s moral standards can stifle the Spirit’s work of sanctification in our lives.
  4. Disobedience to God’s Word: Ignoring or rebelling against the teachings of Scripture can hinder the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom. (Ephesians 5:6)
  5. Neglecting Spiritual Disciplines: Failing to pray, read the Bible, and fellowship with other believers can weaken our connection to the Spirit.
  6. Unconfessed Sin: Sinning without confession, repentance, or regard for God’s presence through his Spirit will eventually separate us from the Spirit. (Psalm 66:18)
Today, let us examine our lives for areas where we may be grieving the Holy Spirit. May we seek to cultivate a relationship with the Spirit that is marked by obedience, repentance, and a deep desire to honour God in all we do.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I want to live a life that is holy and pleasing to you. Father, I pray right now that if there is anything about the way I’m living that grieves the Holy Spirit, you would reveal it to me so that I can confess and repent. In Christ’s name, Amen. 
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Don’t Worry About It!

Do you worry? Some of us worry about paying the monthly rent or mortgage. Some of us worry about the choices our children are making. Others are anxious about the big decisions we must make about our future. With all the concerns in life, can Jesus be serious when he tells us not to worry?
While we will never know a life without concern, Jesus assures us we can know a life without worry. He points out that worry, any manner of pace-the-floor, can’t-sleep-at-night fretting, is not helpful because it changes nothing. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to life; it doesn’t solve a single problem. Worry isn’t helpful because life is more than our worries make it out to be! Followers of Jesus are called to live for so much more than the fleeting things we worry about.
Today, Jesus reminds us that worry isn’t necessary for a child of God. Your heavenly Father knows precisely what you need when you need it and your heavenly Father is good. The same God who paints the flowers of the field and tends the birds of the air, holds every part of your life in his nail-pierced hands. The same God who loved you so much that He went through the hell of Calvary for you, loves you too much to leave your life to chance. Don’t worry! God is in control!
“Do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Please help me to trust in your perfect care for me, so that I may be free to build my life in you. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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God Will Help You – Don’t Panic

God’s call to “not fear” is more than comforting advice; it’s a directive, grounded in His unchanging presence. It reminds us that no matter what we face, we are not alone. The Almighty is with us, and His presence assures us of security and peace.

The Bible tells us of God’s personal support – to strengthen, help, and uphold us. It is incredibly powerful. It’s not a distant, abstract assurance; it’s a commitment from God to be actively involved in our lives. He offers strength when we are weak, help when we are overwhelmed, and support when we feel like we’re falling.

Today, let’s embrace the depth of God’s commitment to us. Let His words sink deep into our hearts, dispelling fear and replacing it with a profound sense of His strength and nearness. In every challenge, remember that God is there, ready to provide the strength and help we need. His unwavering support is our constant source of strength and reassurance.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Father, help me not to be afraid, timid, fearful, or worried. Father, I don’t even want to allow a tiny bit of fear to enter the equation. Instead, I want to trust You completely. Please God, empower me to be strong and courageous! Help me not to be afraid and not to panic. Thank You for the promise that You will personally go ahead of me. You will neither fail me, nor abandon me. God help me to be strong in You and Your mighty power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Hold Fast, For I am Coming

As a child mum used to sing the song “Hold Fast For I am Coming”. Amid trials and tribulations, the words of our Lord in Revelation 3 resound with a clarion call, “I am coming soon”. This promise is a message of hope, reminding us that our struggles are temporal and that eternal glory awaits those who persevere. As believers, we are called to hold fast to our faith, the precious crown that has been bestowed upon us through the grace of our Saviour.

In this scripture, the crown represents our Eternal salvation, our victory in Christ, and the rewards that await us in heaven. It is a symbol of our identity as children of God, chosen and set apart for His glory. However, the journey is fraught with challenges, and there are forces at play that seek to derail us from our path. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, looking for whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we must be vigilant, steadfast in our faith, and anchored in the Word of God.

To hold on to what we have means to cling to our faith with unwavering resolve. It means to stand firm against the tide of temptation, to resist the allure of worldly pleasures, and to endure hardships with patience and grace. It is a call to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and to be a beacon of light in a darkened world.

Today, as we await the return of our Lord, we must remember that our crown is not just a future reward but a present reality. It is a reminder of the victory we have in Christ, a victory that empowers us to overcome the world. So, let us hold on to what we have, for in doing so, we secure our crown and ensure that no one can take it away.

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:11).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, please help me in these last days, to be always ready, counted worthy, and always watching for the glorious return of my Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray. Father, thank You for Your wonderful grace and keeping power. Lord, I trust wholly in you and in Your most gracious salvation, help me to hold fast till You come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Trust

Trust

Today’s verse is one of my all-time favourites. It begins with asking us to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, which calls us to a faith that goes beyond the intellectual. It’s a deep-seated trust that permeates every aspect of our lives. This trust challenges us to relinquish our reliance on our own limited understanding and to fully embrace God’s wisdom and sovereignty.

The next part of these verses admonishes us to “Lean not on our own understanding”. This is an invitation to acknowledge the limitations of our human perspective. It’s a call to seek God’s wisdom in all situations, especially when circumstances seem perplexing or challenging.

The final part is a promise that God will make our paths straight. This is not an assurance of a problem-free life, rather, it is a guarantee that when we submit our ways to Him, He will guide us towards His best for us. Straight paths represent a life guided by God’s wisdom and purpose, marked by clarity and direction.

Today, in our daily journey, we need to embrace this call to trust in the Lord and to seek His guidance. It’s time to lay down our plans and understanding at His feet and allow His wisdom to lead us. In doing so, we find peace and assurance, knowing that we are walking in the path God has set for us.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, you are perfectly faithful in everything you do. You show your faithfulness to me in caring for me, protecting me, and providing for my needs. Forgive me for the times I question you, grumble about my circumstances, or turn my back on you. I want to be like Moses and trust you even when I’m feeling unsure and my confidence is shaky. Show me one small way I can trust you today. I want to declare your faithfulness with certainty to those around me, so they will put their faith and trust in you. Show me who I can encourage today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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God’s Sovereignty in The Winter Time

While in Montreal Canada last week, I was amazed to see snow. I heard a very cold winter storm had come through, It was an amazing site. The snow blanketed the earth, and the frost painted the landscape, a clean look – a witness to the artistry of God, a testament to His power and meticulous design. The winter storm, with its stark beauty and formidable strength, is a vivid reminder that every aspect of nature is under God’s command. His sovereignty extends over the vast expanse of the universe, down to the intricate details of weather patterns.

In scripture, the psalmist paints a vivid picture of God’s control over the elements, describing how He blankets the earth with snow and scatters frost like ashes. Just as the Lord orchestrates the changing seasons and commands the snow to fall, He exercises His divine authority over every aspect of our lives.

Today, as we navigate the cold front that’s on the way and endure the frigid temperatures, even in spring, let us praise the Lord for His sovereignty. Trust that He is with us in every season of life, providing warmth and shelter in His unfailing love. May winter storms be a reminder of God’s absolute control and a call to trust in His sovereignty even in the coldest and most challenging times of our lives.

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? (Psalm 147:16-17). 

Lets Pray

Yahweh, You made the seasons from the very beginning. Father, the change of seasons has always been a part of Your promise that they will never cease. We know when seasons in our own lives come and go, it is for Your good. Thank You for the beauty of the seasons, we can witness them both in nature and in our own lives. Grant us the strength to get through each one, in Jesus name Amen.

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What Can Man Do To Me?

grayscale photo of man in black v neck shirt with black background

In life, we often encounter situations where we feel threatened or intimidated by others. These moments can stir up fear, leading us to forget the greater power that stands with us. However, today’s verse redirects our focus, reminding us that when God is our helper, the ability of people to truly harm us diminishes significantly.

The rhetorical question in today’s verse, “What can man do to me?” is not a dismissal of real challenges, but rather a bold statement of faith. It emphasizes that the outcomes of our lives are not in human hands but in the hands of an omnipotent God. It encourages us to view our circumstances and the actions of others through the lens of God’s sovereignty and protection.

“What can man do to me?”… This declaration is not just a statement of belief but also a stance of defiance against fear. It’s a proclamation that with God as our helper, the threats and actions of people lose their power over us. Our perspective changes from one of vulnerability, to one of strength. Let this promise from God bolster your courage and faith. Today, stand firm in the assurance that no matter what you face, you are under the watchful care and mighty hand of God, where no earthly force can prevail against you.

So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for giving me the weapons to fight evil people in this world. Father, alert me when evil descends. Humble me before you, so that I can call upon you to help me, instead of trying to fight evil with my willpower. God, let me embrace that You are faithful and that You will strengthen and guard me against negative people. Help me remember this fight isn’t me alone fighting, but my brothers and sisters around the world are also fighting evil. Remind me again and again that men can do nothing to me! You have already declared victory and the evil one and his friends are banished to hell forever! Thank you for giving us victory over sin and death. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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True Confession

Did you know true Confession is more than just admitting wrongdoing; it’s an acknowledgement of our need for God’s grace. When we confess our sins, we’re not informing God of something He doesn’t already know. Instead, we’re agreeing with Him about our sinfulness and expressing our desire for His forgiveness and cleansing.

Scripture says, God’s response to our confession is both faithful and just. He is faithful, meaning He will always forgive as He has promised. He is just, because Jesus Christ has already paid the penalty for our sins. This divine forgiveness is complete, covering every aspect of our sinfulness and purifying us from all unrighteousness.

Today, as you reflect on God’s forgiveness to your confession, take a moment to consider the personal significance. It’s an invitation to experience God’s boundless mercy and a call to live in the freedom that comes from His forgiveness. Let this promise encourage you to approach God honestly and humbly, trusting in His unfailing love and grace to make you whole again.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I acknowledge and confess before You that I am a sinner, guilty and corrupt, prone to evil, and I have transgressed Your holy law. Lord, with heartfelt sorrow, I repent and deplore my offences! Please have compassion on me and remove my guilt and corruption. Grant me Your Holy Spirit, that I might put to death the sin that is within me. Father, I trust You for these graces based on the death and resurrection of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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